No, just write a letter, email, or fax with as much detail as possible about the records you want.

How does the Volpe Center process FOIA requests?

When your request arrives in the FOIA Office, it is logged into a database and sent to the area(s) within the Volpe Center that may have the records you want. Program staff in those areas search their files for the records. If our staff find records, they review them and send them to the FOIA Office. The FOIA Office then reviews the response package and determines which records can or cannot be released. All releasable records are sent to the requester with a letter from the FOIA Officer, and a bill for any fees incurred by fulfilling the request. Certain fees may be waived.

How long will it take the Volpe Center to respond to my request?

When your request is logged in, the FOIA Office will send you an email to let you know your request was received. Under FOIA, agencies generally have 20 working days to answer a request. Response time may be extended if the requested documents are voluminous, include confidential commercial information, or if coordination with another agency is required.

What kinds of records can the Volpe Center withhold?

FOIA has 9 exemptions (categories of records that an agency is allowed to or must withhold from release). Records withheld by the Volpe Center usually fall into the following categories:

The FOIA Office will tell you in its response letter if records or parts of records you requested have been withheld and which exemptions apply.

What if I think the Volpe Center has withheld records improperly?

If the Volpe Center withholds records from you:

You have a right to appeal this decision. Under 49 CFR 7.21, within 30 days from the date you receive this initial decision, you may file a written appeal. Your appeal should be sent to: Judy Kaleta, Deputy General Counsel, West Building, Room W92-318, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590. Your appeal should include the reference number used and all information that forms the basis for your appeal. Please mark the envelope, which contains your appeal, with the words: “FOIA Appeal.” If you file an appeal, the Deputy General’s decision will be the final administrative decision. If you have any questions concerning this initial decision, you can contact Andrea Griswold at 617-494-2718.

What happens if the Volpe Center does not have the records I want?

The FOIA Office will tell you in writing that the records you seek are not located at the Volpe Center. If the FOIA Office knows what agency has the records, they will refer you to that agency.

Is there a fee for filing a FOIA request?

FOIA allows agencies to charge requesters for FOIA services, e.g., search and review time, copy costs. The Volpe Center's fees are set by the Department of Transportation.

If you are concerned about costs, ask for a cost estimate. FOIA staff will let you know roughly what your fees will be before they process your request. They will give you a chance to decide whether to proceed with the request or cancel.

What regulations govern the Volpe Center's FOIA activities?

The FOIA Office follows the regulations set forth in the Department of Transportation's FOIA regulations at 5 U.S.C.552b.

How can I reach the Volpe Center FOIA Office?

The Volpe Center's FOIA Office mailing address is:

Mail Code: V-140Volpe Center55 BroadwayCambridge, MA 02142-1093

In what format are documents available?

A FOIA requester may choose among existing forms or format of a record, so long as the record is readily reproducible in the chosen form. Copies of Volpe records will generally be available either on disk or in hard copy; please let us know which you prefer. Copies of many Volpe contracts are available in PDF format on this website.